Photos: Station fire victim speaks out

Julius Goff

Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

Julius Goff, a resident of Vogel Flats in Big Tujunga Canyon for seven years, stands amid the remains of his home, which was destroyed in the Station fire. He and another resident were criticized by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other authorities for thinking they could ride out the blaze by jumping into a hot tub. Goff, a 50-year-old single father who suffered severe burns, says he did not ignore a mandatory evacuation order -- he stayed behind to warn 10 neighbors who did not receive the order. By the time he got to his own home, to collect a roommate, the fire had surrounded them.

Julius Goff, a resident of Vogel Flats in Big Tujunga Canyon for seven years, stands amid the remains of his home, which was destroyed in the Station fire. He and another resident were criticized by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other authorities for thinking they could ride out the blaze by jumping into a hot tub. Goff, a 50-year-old single father who suffered severe burns, says he did not ignore a mandatory evacuation order -- he stayed behind to warn 10 neighbors who did not receive the order. By the time he got to his own home, to collect a roommate, the fire had surrounded them. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Goff, known to many as "Jules," describes how he ran through a wall of flames to get to the hot tub, where he received severe burns on his legs, ear and nose. "It was like 20 freight trains running through here," he said. "I had to come out here and face the dragon." He says Vogel Flats residents will need help preparing for the coming rainy season, which authorities fear will bring mudslides and heavy debris flows if nothing is done.

Goff, known to many as "Jules," describes how he ran through a wall of flames to get to the hot tub, where he received severe burns on his legs, ear and nose. "It was like 20 freight trains running through here," he said. "I had to come out here and face the dragon." He says Vogel Flats residents will need help preparing for the coming rainy season, which authorities fear will bring mudslides and heavy debris flows if nothing is done. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)